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Hello,

I am 30 years old and have extensive knowledge and experience in IT Support (6+ years). For the last year, I have been unemployed but running my own Local IT business, fixing computers, setting up wireless networks etc.

However, I can't live on this so am looking to go in to the network side of things and have decided to go for a MCSE and/or MCSA. I've been in touch with two firms, Computeach and Joskos and have been quoted £1650 and £2000 respectively. From what I can make out, all the two companies do is offer you the learning material, through in a few mock tests and a little support but nothing more.

My question is, is it possible to do this myself? I've seen a MCSE course on Learndirect for only £50 along with a few other courses that seem relevant. I am an excellent learner and have plenty of time on my hands and know a lot of the stuff already due to past experience. But I'm really confused to go with a training provider or go it alone. The large fee is putting me off, but I don't want to mess it up.

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Hi

Personal opinion only, but the training provider paths look really expensive. Plenty of people have passed MCSA and MCSE exams through self study, for the cost of the books, a lab setup and the exam fee. Also, check out your local college, as they sometimes offer courses, for a lot less than training providers. If your currently unemployed, and are signing on, try your luck with the job centre, and see if they will cover some of the exam costs.

I didn't realise Learndirect offered 70-290 courses, I just looked, and for £50, thats not too bad. I'll mention them at work today, so thanks for that.

If you are going to go the self study route on the A+ I recommend you get the mike meyers all in one 6th edition. It will have everything you need to pass the exam and as you have quite a bit of experience I'm sure you will be able to just skim quite a bit of it.

There is also another book by Jean Andrews which is supposed to be very good also but I haven't read it so can't give my opinion on it.

Also be aware that the current exams are being retired next year, february 28th in the US and Canada, I can't seem to find confirmation when they are retiring them for the UK though, Hopefully someone else will know the correct date (I'd also check with comptia yourself to be sure) . So be sure to leave yourself enough time to pass the exams.

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